The suspended Commissioner of Police, Sitiveni Qiliho, has submitted his resignation, paving the way for the appointment of a new police chief. The Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) received his resignation last Thursday, but the reasons behind his decision have not been disclosed.
Qiliho had been suspended since January 27, 2023, by President Ratu Willame Katonivere at the recommendation of the COC, while facing allegations of misconduct. Throughout the suspension, he continued to receive full salary as he awaited a tribunal hearing.
On May 9, 2023, Qiliho was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for abuse of office, alongside former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Bainimarama was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho’s conviction stemmed from his orders to halt an investigation involving the University of the South Pacific in July 2020.
Despite his conviction, the COC was preparing to hold a tribunal to investigate the original misconduct allegations against Qiliho, which were distinct from the charges that led to his conviction. Additionally, he is facing another separate charge of abuse of office in court.
Attorney-General and COC member Graham Leung confirmed that Qiliho’s resignation eliminates the need for the tribunal. “Mr Qiliho’s resignation creates a vacancy in the substantive position, allowing us to move forward with advertising the role,” Leung stated. “We couldn’t proceed earlier as he was still the substantive post holder despite his conviction.”
Among the candidates being considered for the role of Commissioner of Police are United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Safety and Security Unaisi Vuniwaqa, former senior police officers Luke Navela and Rusiate Tudravu, as well as Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong-Chew.